Jason Bourne returns to Georgetown University and the mild world of his alter ego, David Webb, hoping for normalcy. But after so many adrenaline-soaked years of risking his life, Bourne finds himself chafing under the quiet life of a linguistics professor. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a formerJason Bourne returns to Georgetown University and the mild world of his alter ego, David Webb, hoping for normalcy. But after so many adrenaline-soaked years of risking his life, Bourne finds himself chafing under the quiet life of a linguistics professor. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sect. The young man died carrying information about the group's terrorist activities, including an immediate plan to attack the United States. The organization, the Black Legion, and its lethal plot have also popped up on the radar of Central Intelligence, where new director Veronica Hart is struggling to assert her authority. Sensing an opportunity to take control of CI by showing Hart's incompetence, National Security Agency operatives plan to accomplish what CI never could-hunt down and kill Bourne. In Europe, Bourne's investigation into the Black Legion turns into one of the deadliest and most tangled operations of his double life-the pursuit of the leader of a murderous terrorist group with roots in the darkest days of World War II-all while an assassin as brilliant and damaged as himself is getting closer by the minute . . ....more

ebook, 0 pages

Published
July 29th 2008
by Grand Central Publishing
(first published 2008)

Originally, back in the dim and distant past that we now call 2008, this was my first introduction to Jason Bourne. An airport purchase having seen the three movies I was immediately confused by this book which appeared to bear no relation to those movies at all beyond the name of the main character and the fact that he'd apparently suffered from total memory loss at some previous point. At the time I didn't realise that the movies had pretty much kept only those two things (and the book titles)Originally, back in the dim and distant past that we now call 2008, this was my first introduction to Jason Bourne. An airport purchase having seen the three movies I was immediately confused by this book which appeared to bear no relation to those movies at all beyond the name of the main character and the fact that he'd apparently suffered from total memory loss at some previous point. At the time I didn't realise that the movies had pretty much kept only those two things (and the book titles) – no wonder I was thrown. Having since gone back and read the original three Ludlum novels and the two other Lustbader follow-on novels, coming back to this book again six years later makes a whole heap more sense than I remember before. Obviously, this has a become a series that requires you to have read the character's past to get the most out of the next book.

Suddenly I knew who Soroya Moore, Tyrone and Moira were this time and the story made sense at last. There were still a few annoyances – Lustbader is changing the character of Ludlum's Bourne with each book, each time becoming a little more reactive, even though he should know more of himself than any book before, it seems to suit Lustbader to have Bourne react to a formula plot rather than drive the plot himself. Maybe Bourne's just getting lazy now he isn't fighting so hard to find out who he is. His son of the previous novels has just vanished, and instead the super-villain Arkadin is on the rise and Bourne's enemy (for the next few novels at least).

Specter just appears in this novel with no real previous connection to Bourne, and yet with Lindros and Bourne's wife gone, he is just as suddenly Bourne's most trusted mentor (the formulaic replacement of Lindros and Conklin). Specter is a truly stupid name for a mentor that we're supposed to trust, it just screams of intrigue and untrustworthiness ((view spoiler)[formulaic, obviously named, villain that the hero trusts even when he doesn't trust anybody else (hide spoiler)]).

Over all I enjoyed the second reading more than the first. Still not enough to push the rating up to that elusive fourth star, but it's either a stronger three than before, or I just overrated it last time. I'm still completely confused as to why the fight with Arkadin suddenly ends up in a secret room full of mannequins though? But I suppose that a mere second reading of this book could never clear up all of the confusions. I doubt even Lustbader understands why we had to fall into a room of mannequins for the story to progress.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

We are now so far away from the original Bourne series, I can hardly recognise the main character, his underlings, or even the connection that Bourne/Webb has with the man who opened Ludlum’s series years ago. Even taking the Bourne part out of it, this story fell far short of what I expected or even wanted to read, and it pains me that I have to see this drivel associated with what Ludlum built up over time. Where is the mentally calculating man? Where is the passion for justice and the king ofWe are now so far away from the original Bourne series, I can hardly recognise the main character, his underlings, or even the connection that Bourne/Webb has with the man who opened Ludlum’s series years ago. Even taking the Bourne part out of it, this story fell far short of what I expected or even wanted to read, and it pains me that I have to see this drivel associated with what Ludlum built up over time. Where is the mentally calculating man? Where is the passion for justice and the king of espionage that Ludlum presented to us? Lustbader has taken this illustrious character and series and tossed it into the refuse bin, in hopes of making money off the name, and the Hollywood version of the fames spy.

I feel the books are just racing further and further away from the great books that laid the foundation for this series. While I found some of the earlier books more complex than I am used to reading, the challenge was worth it. Perhaps, had I no context, I could put up with these books, but since I know where this all came from and worry about where it is headed, I cannot sit back and pretend all is copasetic. While I like a good action movie and did find those Damon films to be full of action, I am not impressed with Lustbader’s attempt to ride piggyback on them to lure fans to the Bourne series. I cannot see many people who love the movies diving into the series from the beginning and being as enthralled. I guess I suppose Lustbader wants people to read ‘his interpretation’ and hope they toss out Ludlum’s previous attempts.

Those who have followed the reviews previously will know I am reading the entire series (what did I get myself into?). I am by no means impressed and worry they will get worse....more

It's complicated, unnecessarily so to be honest. But, for an airport purchase (and my first Bourne book) a good read on a long flight. Maybe because I was jumping into the series at #6 rather than working my way through I was a little more lost than I should have been, but I soon caught up and enjoyed the ride.

Since this is the sixth novel starring Bourne (the Van Lustbader version), this Jason Bourne story focuses more on the growing list of supporting characters who've helped him in the past -- Deron (the forger), Tyrone (the street enforcer), Soraya Moore (CI / Typhon contact), Moira (the potential love interest) -- and the growing stable of politicos in the Beltway who want to put down Bourne for good.

There's plenty of political intrigue, as the new DCI Veronica Hart tries to keep the NSA from takSince this is the sixth novel starring Bourne (the Van Lustbader version), this Jason Bourne story focuses more on the growing list of supporting characters who've helped him in the past -- Deron (the forger), Tyrone (the street enforcer), Soraya Moore (CI / Typhon contact), Moira (the potential love interest) -- and the growing stable of politicos in the Beltway who want to put down Bourne for good.

There's plenty of political intrigue, as the new DCI Veronica Hart tries to keep the NSA from taking over CI. The real focus of the story is introducing a future rival for Bourne, Leonid Arkadin. Both Bourne and Arkadin's paths inevitably will cross due to the emergence of a threat from the Black Legion: an almost mythical cadre of well-funded Muslim fundamentalists who had once fought with Germany against the Red Army in WWII. Their new target: a crippling blow to the American economy. As a target, this is more timely in 2011

I actually "read" the book as an audio eBook, which made it more entertaining that it might have been if I had just read it.

I don't compare Van Lustbader to Ludlum because there is no comparison. Ludlum was a master. Van Lustbader tells an entertaining tale -- and the Arkadin character is well-developed -- but as with the previous post-Ludlum novels Bourne often appears as a supporting character who needs to wait for the plot to reach him. With the growing list of Merrie Men/Women in Bourne's band of outlaws, it's a wonder that someone (NSA? Anti-Bourne CI faction? Renegade KGB/FSBs with an axe to grind?) hasn't tried to turn one of them to the dark side and betray him.

Which brings me to Soraya Moore. I won't get into the details of the plot, but it surprised me that someone who's at her level (and, supposedly, intelligence) isn't all that great at coming up with foolproof plans against the bad guys. One scheme in particular came off as amateurish. That, or her foes have lead for brains.

If you enjoy audio eBooks, you'll like the audio novel. The world of Alex Conklin is in the past and new players are trying to align themselves accordingly. Arkadin will factor in Bourne's fate in the future and it's worth the read just to get into his background. I'd recommend reading to see the fallout of Bourne Betrayal's events....more

It was a good no brainer read that wasn't as good as Robert Ludlum's writing but still good. I learned that you still don't mess with Jason Bourne and when you need something impossible done seek out "the man".

I'll start by saying that while this novel is the best (so far) of the three Bourne books by Eric Van Lustbader, none of the new novels compare to Robert Ludlum's original trilogy.The nice thing about this piece was the "candle burning at both ends" feeling I got as I followed both Jason Bourne and his "new" arch nemesis, Leonid Arkadin, to their inevitable showdown. The two men leave a bloody trail of bodies and bullets in their wake, and then, through an ingenius little twist, are forced to heI'll start by saying that while this novel is the best (so far) of the three Bourne books by Eric Van Lustbader, none of the new novels compare to Robert Ludlum's original trilogy.The nice thing about this piece was the "candle burning at both ends" feeling I got as I followed both Jason Bourne and his "new" arch nemesis, Leonid Arkadin, to their inevitable showdown. The two men leave a bloody trail of bodies and bullets in their wake, and then, through an ingenius little twist, are forced to help each other out. I won't tell you how they resolve their differences in the end, but I am sure we'll see the two at each others throats in Van Lustbader's next Bourne novel.The problem I had with this book was the stale side story between two of America's intelligence gathering forces. NSA and CI act like two petulant children. The novel is far fetched to begin with (all Bourne reads are), but the idea that these two "associations" are willing to cripple the other to curry favour with the indifferent president is mindless and boring.Mr. Van Lustbader, stick to the reason we buy these books: Jason Bourne....more

I use these books from audible.com to work out with, to ride motorcycles late at night with and to walk with. I do not expect huge revelations or top literature. But this thing got so convoluted and complicated and ridiculous---one day they were in mortal hand to hand combat in Russia, garroted and injured and bleeding--crashing cars and shoot em up--the next day they are in Langley, one guy in Russia is related to some guy in Washington and another guy is a Russian cop but is in with the drug gI use these books from audible.com to work out with, to ride motorcycles late at night with and to walk with. I do not expect huge revelations or top literature. But this thing got so convoluted and complicated and ridiculous---one day they were in mortal hand to hand combat in Russia, garroted and injured and bleeding--crashing cars and shoot em up--the next day they are in Langley, one guy in Russia is related to some guy in Washington and another guy is a Russian cop but is in with the drug guys but really isn't and one girl is a slut but isn't and one guy is a super killer who is in constant flashback because he killed his mother because she let rats eat his foot and and I know that the main deal is a plot on an American building, but the twists and turns are not interesting, they are nonsense-- one groups is in Istanbul, one is in langley one is in Germany, one is running a "pipe;ine" of some blueprints that can't be digitalized-- stabbing and shooting and murder and just a free for all of gobbledeegook. The book was nonsense. I read it because it cost me like $30 on audible. ...more

If this had been the first book in the series, I would have quit halfway through and never picked up another.

What a bummer! I can't believe I read the whole thing ... but I just kept hoping for improvement, and I kept thinking something important might happen that I'd need to know if I chose to read the next in the series.

But I'm probably done with the series. There are so many great books in the world to read, I'm not sure I want to invest anymore time with Van Lustbader.

The previous books in tIf this had been the first book in the series, I would have quit halfway through and never picked up another.

What a bummer! I can't believe I read the whole thing ... but I just kept hoping for improvement, and I kept thinking something important might happen that I'd need to know if I chose to read the next in the series.

But I'm probably done with the series. There are so many great books in the world to read, I'm not sure I want to invest anymore time with Van Lustbader.

The previous books in this series were all fantastic, but Van Lustbader has killed off most of the previous characters except for Bourne, and it feels like the author is taking the series a different direction than Robert Ludlum would have.

The plot of this book was a mess, and I can't think of anything about it that I loved ... except the part when it was over and I'd read the last word.

Sorry Jason Bourne ... as much as I love you ... I'm breaking up with you. Please don't call me ever again....more

I have been reading Eric Van Lustbaser's Ninja books featuring Nicholas Linnear for years and have enjoyed them. Although they have a bit of oriental 'woo - woo,' they are fun reads.

I have also been reading Ludlum's books for 20 years and enjoying them immensly. The plots are convoluted, but why else would you read a 'spy novel'

Lustbader's continuation of the Bourne series [after Ludlum died:] and its subsequent movie fame has made Ludlums works more accessible to everybody.

The Bourne Santion iI have been reading Eric Van Lustbaser's Ninja books featuring Nicholas Linnear for years and have enjoyed them. Although they have a bit of oriental 'woo - woo,' they are fun reads.

I have also been reading Ludlum's books for 20 years and enjoying them immensly. The plots are convoluted, but why else would you read a 'spy novel'

Lustbader's continuation of the Bourne series [after Ludlum died:] and its subsequent movie fame has made Ludlums works more accessible to everybody.

The Bourne Santion is a good read with a convoluted plot, some suprises and, of course, a lit bit of oriental 'woo woo' as well. Good read,...more

As a Bourne book, it's a big ol' pile of "meh." There is nothing new or novel about the plot. Lustbader desperately seeks to make up for this by keeping his readers distracted with a tale that uses _every_ cliche in the genre - sometimes two or three times in certain characters.

However, I really enjoyed the development and treatment of Arkadin, one of the half-dozen villians. It's pretty rare when you find yourself pulling for someone so evil. Interest in this character alone - not the title chaAs a Bourne book, it's a big ol' pile of "meh." There is nothing new or novel about the plot. Lustbader desperately seeks to make up for this by keeping his readers distracted with a tale that uses _every_ cliche in the genre - sometimes two or three times in certain characters.

However, I really enjoyed the development and treatment of Arkadin, one of the half-dozen villians. It's pretty rare when you find yourself pulling for someone so evil. Interest in this character alone - not the title character's - was the only thing that kept me from abandoning the book....more

I was a little disappointed. I'm a big Bourne fan, but maybe it was really Ludlum and not Van Lustbader. The plot was sort of hard to follow in spots, the characters were pretty shallow with one or two exceptions, and the action sequences weren't as compelling as I remember from earlier books. I'll read the next one though...

* Couldn't finish** I had nothing else to do*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans**** Everyone could enjoy this book***** Everyone should read this bookI was a little disappointed. I'm a big Bourne fan, but maybe it was really Ludlum and not Van Lustbader. The plot was sort of hard to follow in spots, the characters were pretty shallow with one or two exceptions, and the action sequences weren't as compelling as I remember from earlier books. I'll read the next one though...

* Couldn't finish** I had nothing else to do*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans**** Everyone could enjoy this book***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again...more

I really like the Jason Bourne character. But one of the things I really liked about him was how important it was to him to be a good and decent man. I guess for the series to continue he kind of has to go in the direction of giving up his David Webb life, but I felt like he is also giving up the values he held in the earlier books and becoming just another formula super-spy with his past memory loss serving as nothing but a quirk.

I also found the plot ridiculous. The mastermind's motivation makI really like the Jason Bourne character. But one of the things I really liked about him was how important it was to him to be a good and decent man. I guess for the series to continue he kind of has to go in the direction of giving up his David Webb life, but I felt like he is also giving up the values he held in the earlier books and becoming just another formula super-spy with his past memory loss serving as nothing but a quirk.

I also found the plot ridiculous. The mastermind's motivation makes no sense at all. The main adversary also makes no sense. He is one of those psychological monsters of convenience that appear sometimes in thrillers whose motivations lie entirely within their own craziness.

So overall, there's lots of action. There is an occasional glimpse of the Bourne character I like so well. But there is also lots of muddled nonsense. It was an OK read, but I had hoped for more....more

Admittedly, I've never read any of the late Robert Ludlum's books but I am a fan of the Bourne movies; except the last one with Renner. Van Lustbader received permission from the Ludlum estate and is continuing where Ludlum left off. He seems to be doing it with success in this novel. Many of the fictionalized drama books I pick up are poorly written these days but this one holds up better than most and I really enjoy chapters that are about 10 pages in length. It''ll be interesting to see if thAdmittedly, I've never read any of the late Robert Ludlum's books but I am a fan of the Bourne movies; except the last one with Renner. Van Lustbader received permission from the Ludlum estate and is continuing where Ludlum left off. He seems to be doing it with success in this novel. Many of the fictionalized drama books I pick up are poorly written these days but this one holds up better than most and I really enjoy chapters that are about 10 pages in length. It''ll be interesting to see if the next movie in 2016 takes it's cues from this book and the others he has written. This book comes in at just over 450 pages which seems a little long but if you enjoy this particular character you'll appreciate the story. There's just something about the indestructible, nice guy image of Jason Bourne. We know he'll win....more

Cut my teeth on the Bourne trilogy 30 years ago. Reread them before the movies were released and fell in love with them again. I walked by the bargain bin at the bookstore and picked up The Bourne Sanction, Bourne Dominion, the Bourne Objective and a fourth Bourne book......unfortunately, I read them out of order. I suggest you read them in order. Maybe bc of the order or bc I'm aging rapidly, but it seemed as some of the suspense in the new Bourne books are generated more by the confusion creatCut my teeth on the Bourne trilogy 30 years ago. Reread them before the movies were released and fell in love with them again. I walked by the bargain bin at the bookstore and picked up The Bourne Sanction, Bourne Dominion, the Bourne Objective and a fourth Bourne book......unfortunately, I read them out of order. I suggest you read them in order. Maybe bc of the order or bc I'm aging rapidly, but it seemed as some of the suspense in the new Bourne books are generated more by the confusion created by the sheer number of characters and the multiple story lines. The books are suspenseful, and again it may due to my personal limitations, but I found myself often thinking 'now who is this?' and I read the books in less than 3 days. Enjoyed them but required more cognitive effort than the originals. ...more

I was a bit out of order when I read books 6 thru 8. Now that I have finally caught up, I can arguably say that Lustbader Eric Van has clearly gone his own way with the Bourne character.

This book is plagued by so many "What the...?," but if I simply look at the book for what it is (a simple action thriller with a BAMF character. The real page turner for this book and the next was the introduction of a new nemesis. Leonid Danilovich Arkadin, though unbelievable in his introduction to the series,I was a bit out of order when I read books 6 thru 8. Now that I have finally caught up, I can arguably say that Lustbader Eric Van has clearly gone his own way with the Bourne character.

This book is plagued by so many "What the...?," but if I simply look at the book for what it is (a simple action thriller with a BAMF character. The real page turner for this book and the next was the introduction of a new nemesis. Leonid Danilovich Arkadin, though unbelievable in his introduction to the series, was a welcome inclusion....more

This book is very entertaining and even though I read it without reading the books before it I still liked it. I would though suggest reading the books before it because they explain a lot of the missing key details that the writer does not go over in this book. The book is for people who like mysteries and for people who like the movies. There is differences from the movies and the books but they both have the same type of plot. I would recommend this book to a lot of people because it as veryThis book is very entertaining and even though I read it without reading the books before it I still liked it. I would though suggest reading the books before it because they explain a lot of the missing key details that the writer does not go over in this book. The book is for people who like mysteries and for people who like the movies. There is differences from the movies and the books but they both have the same type of plot. I would recommend this book to a lot of people because it as very good. ...more

This novel focuses primarily on never ending action placing characters in hair raising situations. The author has Bourne on another chaotic chase, this time in Moscow dogging pursuers while he himself hunts one of the most dangerous villains, a killer named Arkasan. Hold you breath, this is a fast paced story where Bourne faces the most treacherous campaign to date.

Bourne now assuming the name of David Webb lives an ordinary lifeThe 6th instalment in the "Jason Bourne" series by Robert Ludlum

This novel focuses primarily on never ending action placing characters in hair raising situations. The author has Bourne on another chaotic chase, this time in Moscow dogging pursuers while he himself hunts one of the most dangerous villains, a killer named Arkasan. Hold you breath, this is a fast paced story where Bourne faces the most treacherous campaign to date.

Bourne now assuming the name of David Webb lives an ordinary life as a scholar at the Georgetown University. Unsatisfied with this deceit he desperately wants to get back into action. When his mentor Dominic Specter approaches him for help it is exactly what Jason needs to lift his spirits and leave his make believe world behind.... Dominic is convinced that a group of terrorists named "The Black Legion" are preparing an attack on the United States.....something has to be done..... The story is a little farfetched but nonetheless you are in for a wild ride. The author has written many superb action sequences that will have you on the edge of your seat.

During this time, there is a turf war brewing between the Central Intelligence and the National Security Agencies overriding their actual mandate in global affairs. Each agency is aware of the "Black Legion" and their plans but true to life politics trump logic at times. NSA's aim is to covertly illuminate Bourne at all expense thus discrediting the CIA. The infighting in this sub-plot gives a touch of reality and I found it more interesting than following Bourne's actual mission.

This novel is a satisfying read although I prefer seeing Bourne's capers on the big screen. ...more

This was a very difficult read - typos, grammatical errors, etc.[return][return]I found the story line to be okay (at best) and was at least mildly entertained...but towards the end I was in disbelief at the number of resolutions to plots that came about by coincidental meetings, events, and even a child in Munich (with a British Accent) saying, "...right as rain" - Literally this saved the day! Lame...After the first couple coincidences that resolved tension or a dangerous situation I began toThis was a very difficult read - typos, grammatical errors, etc.[return][return]I found the story line to be okay (at best) and was at least mildly entertained...but towards the end I was in disbelief at the number of resolutions to plots that came about by coincidental meetings, events, and even a child in Munich (with a British Accent) saying, "...right as rain" - Literally this saved the day! Lame...After the first couple coincidences that resolved tension or a dangerous situation I began to be skeptical that the book would end in any kind of dynamic way...I was right![return][return]Lustbader seemingly tried to put too many plot twists and "interesting" side stories into a book that he was not prepared to write out to any good conclusion...it felt like he was writing and all of a sudden realized that he needed to wrap things up so he had Bourne pull out his lucky rabbits foot to tie all of the loose ends up in a hurry...[return][return]Don't waste your time on this book! Very, Very, Very disappointing...more

Global Muslim terrorists, homegrown self-serving politicians, kindhearted yet ruthless CIA agents, and then there is Jason Bourne and his nemesis Leonid Danilovich Arkadin. Equally Callous, equally threatening, remorseless and impenetrable. Will they both survive the terrorists attempt to destroy parts of the United States? Will they survive their coldblooded hatred of each other? Think un-official CIA black ops assassins and Treadstone.

There were a few syntax and double worded editing issues with this novel, but I didn't let that obstrict me from enjoy reading The Bourne Sanction. Remember, this is a work of fiction, a piece of creative thinking and not every aspect about the horrendous plotting and killing gone crazy is reality. Eric Van Lustbder does an okay job writing Jason Bourne epics, I'm just disheartened and miserable knowing that Matt Damon will not be playing Jason Bourne again.

Jeremy Renner has been selected to take over the "Bourne" franchise. He will play an entirely new character who, like Bourne, was trained in the same Treadstone program. He's a fine actor but will his demanding filming schedule allow him to dabble with a Bourne movie?

I gave The Sanction 3 stars, knowing that the dialog, characters, situations and purpose of this novel should have had aspects of multifaceted literary and entrenched profound sequences, rather than some frivolous, shallow and artificial exhibitions and characters. After all, this was another Bourne opportunity to find salvation.

I'm the author of six novels that can be previewed and purchased through amazon.com and smashwords.com, in either eBook or paperback editions. Google Ben Campbell Books.

After the death of his best friend in the last book, Jason Bourne returns to Georgetown University. He hopes to return to some sense of normalcy as his alter ego, David Webb, a professor of languages. However, it is not to be. After so many years of risking his life in the world of spy and counter spy, Bourne finds himself bored. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sAfter the death of his best friend in the last book, Jason Bourne returns to Georgetown University. He hopes to return to some sense of normalcy as his alter ego, David Webb, a professor of languages. However, it is not to be. After so many years of risking his life in the world of spy and counter spy, Bourne finds himself bored. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sect known as the Black Legion with roots back to World War II. The young man died carrying information about the group's terrorist activities, including an immediate plan to attack the United States. The organization has also popped up on the radar of Central Intelligence, where new director Veronica Hart is struggling to assert her authority and to keep from being absorbed by the National Security Agency. Sensing an opportunity to take control of CI, National Security Agency operatives plan to accomplish what CI never could, hunt down and kill Jason Bourne. In Europe, Bourne's investigation into the Black Legion turns into one of the deadliest and most tangled operations of his double life. Additional, he faces a brillant assassin also trained by Treadstone and just as deadly as Jason himself....more

Once again a steady yet great continuation of the Bourne persona, Four Stars all the way.

However, it must be noted that over the books Lustbader has slowly made the character of Bourne more of his creation as time passes. First of all he has removed any ties to the Ludlum Bourne, such as Marie, Conklin and his kids then he created a new reef of characters - Lindros, his assassin son, Mo (I can't remember if Mo was Ludlum's or Lustbader's, excuse me if I am wrong) - which he in turn removed andOnce again a steady yet great continuation of the Bourne persona, Four Stars all the way.

However, it must be noted that over the books Lustbader has slowly made the character of Bourne more of his creation as time passes. First of all he has removed any ties to the Ludlum Bourne, such as Marie, Conklin and his kids then he created a new reef of characters - Lindros, his assassin son, Mo (I can't remember if Mo was Ludlum's or Lustbader's, excuse me if I am wrong) - which he in turn removed and has now introduced another set, which, I believe has twice-removed Lustbader's Bourne from Ludlum's by putting a buffer between the two. Now, if you were to place the two characters side by side, you would see great differences between the two. Yes, essentially they would be one and the same, but at the same time they wouldn't be.

Now, this isn't bad. It can be seen as an evolution of the Bourne character, and in fact this is how I choose to see it - otehrwise I am left with the bitter taste of knowledge that Ludlum's great characters has been bastardised. See, it really is an easy choice for me. I know some people refuse to read Lustbader's Bourne books because of this 'bastardisation', but I choose to look past this. A way that has made this easier for me - watch out, here comes my geek - is my comparing it to Doctor Who. In this the Doctor is the same person, built up of the same events and emotions, yet with each new 'incarnation' he is differently portrayed. There is no true Doctor, rather there are different versions of him - and it is the same with Bourne, and like with the Doctor, I love every single carnation that he (Bourne) takes.

Okay, so small essay over with.

(N.B. I am going to try a new form of review which I basically have been doing for some time, just not as blatantly.)

The characterisationWith this book, and I think as the series has progressed, we have moved away from the Webb persona. Which can be taken in two ways: one; you are moving away from the true thing that made the 'original trilogy' great (bad), or two; the idea is dropped before it becomes way too stale and repeated again and again (good). Obviously, being an optimist when it comes to enjoying things I have taken the positive view, so yeah. I like this development.

The other characters though are not as great as you might have wanted. Moira is so stale and fake, the two snitches, while hate-able, have no real depth, and the obvious comparison between Arkadin and Bourne awkward - and the background boring; really, I don't care how this bastard came to be (in fact, the only part of his background I paid attention to was that he was (view spoiler)[The first Treadstone assassin (hide spoiler)]).

Though there were good characters. I liked Soraya and Hart as characters and can't wait to see how they develop in the future. Oh, and Tyrone was a pleasure to see grow.

The PlotOkay, so it wasn't stellar. But it was fun and was nicely twisted. I don't know how much I can say without giving the plot away, but I really did like the way not all was as it seemed, and especially liked the ruse - you'll understand once you read it.

I also really liked the whole sub-plot with the NSA safe house, and the on-going saga (though it may now be ended) about NSA's attempts to take over CI and Typhon.

That being said, critics could easily label this as a typical action plot, which in truth it really is. It lacks the finesse of the trilogy (or, at least, the first two books) and if I wasn't so invested in the character and his world I could see myself giving this a three stars just because the plot doesn't live up to what I expect for Bourne.

The WritingWhen I first opened the book I was surprised to see a larger print and when I read it I noticed the writing was... I can't quite come up with the right word... sparser? I am afraid that this is just another symptom of the step in the direction of mass marketing the series - which, yes, is already under way big time, but at least before I could ignore it.

Though, having voiced that concern, there was nothing wrong with it as per se. It flowed, it let you immerse yourself in the world and it didn't startle you from the pages with a misplaced word/saying/phrase. Even if it just lacked the spark that the previous books seemed to have - which could just be me romanticising (can you do that about a book?) Lustbader's previous works.

The Overview

I love this series. I really liked this book. Will you? Yeah, if you like full on action then this series is probably good for you. If you like spy thriller intrigue, then the first three are for you. Oh, I don't know. This series has evolved, or, yes, devolved depending on your view. Me? I just look at is as having changed - not better (no way), not worse (or at least not considerably), just different.

However, whatever you views on Lustbader's works, Ludlum's trilogy (especially the first one, should be read by anyone and everyone) then you should just work your way from there, one book at a time. Yeah, read them. Enjoy them.

30-12-2012Re-reading this book. Not because it is so very good, but because I lost track of the Bourne story. Got the latest for my birthday this year and I wanted to read them (the ones by Van Lustbader) in order because movies and Ludlum's versions keep getting in the way of getting a good clear view om what happened when and why with what reason or consequence.

01-01-2013After reading it again, I tried to make sense of it once again. And, starting with the Bourne books that Ludlum wrote, I ju30-12-2012Re-reading this book. Not because it is so very good, but because I lost track of the Bourne story. Got the latest for my birthday this year and I wanted to read them (the ones by Van Lustbader) in order because movies and Ludlum's versions keep getting in the way of getting a good clear view om what happened when and why with what reason or consequence.

01-01-2013After reading it again, I tried to make sense of it once again. And, starting with the Bourne books that Ludlum wrote, I just couldn't. As far as I can recall (have to re-read the last book of the trilogy to be absolutely sure, but please correct me if I'm wrong!), Bourne was around 57 when either the 3rd book started, or ended.The book I'm reviewing now, takes place one year AFTER the book before this, and when I draw a linear line from Ludlum-Bourne to Lustbader-Bourne, the character must at least be 58, most likely even older. And, despite films like Expendables etc. I do not really see a man, no matter how fit, pull the stunts that Bourne does in this book.

Okay, this book is a work of fiction, but this age thing bothers me nonetheless. And I'm also bothered by the written out fighting scenes. they look / read like they could be copy-pasted from a film script. They feel very unreal and I must admit that when the next scene came, that I applied a form of speed reading...

The amount of stars stays the same, it was an okay book, but certainly not more than that!

december 2009The synopsis at the back side of the book said it right: this work has nothing to do anymore with the original trilogy that Ludlum wrote about Jason Bourne.

Bourne is again (on of) the main character(s) in this book. But I did not find it as addictive as the first three books that were written by Ludlum. Sometimes Bourne's past is mentioned, but I miss the confused Bourne, who tries to put together the memory flashes with reality as he lives it. He is now 'only' looking for some terrorist organisation that has roots in WW II, in a way like any other special forces man would do. He is still being deceived by his friend / the man who hires him, but rather far-fetched in my opinion. I will not disclose any of the contents because that would spoil the fun for other readers.

For me this Bourne book was not as catching, because it was written 'in the ordinary way', without saying that Van Lustbader is a poor writer, or that I can do better. There was no surprize element, no big or sudden twist of fate, the story went on and on and on and then it ended.

What made Bourne special to me was his loss of memory and identity and all the things that came from that, his desperate search for 'him' alongside protecting the new family he had founded with Marie.

Now he has become a loner, not comfortable in his university job, but also not quite Bourne anymore. He doesn't raise his children, Marie is dead, there's nothing that ties him to life. The way the character of Bourne has developed over the books makes this book for me te be '13 in a dozen'. Not bad, but certainly not very special too....more

When we catch up with Jason Bourne this time around, we find our hero doing his best to put the past behind him and move forward by living his life as his astute linguistic scholar alter-ego, David Webb. Memories of his beloved Marie and of his time spent in Project Treadstone under the direction of Alex Conklin still lurk beneath the surface. Bourne is not sure how much longer her can keep up the façade of a college professor when within him is tReviewed by Nikki Pringle for Reader Views (8/08)

When we catch up with Jason Bourne this time around, we find our hero doing his best to put the past behind him and move forward by living his life as his astute linguistic scholar alter-ego, David Webb. Memories of his beloved Marie and of his time spent in Project Treadstone under the direction of Alex Conklin still lurk beneath the surface. Bourne is not sure how much longer her can keep up the façade of a college professor when within him is the heart and mind of a trained assassin.

First, Moira Trevor requests his assistance with a security evaluation of an LNG terminal being built and readied for its first delivery of natural gas. Any threat to the depot would spell disaster for the United States economy and for the lives of the thousands of people living in Long Beach, California. While Bourne understands her apprehension and the need to review security measures before the first delivery arrives, he is determined to focus his attention on the new life he is trying to build for himself at the university.

Shortly after, his mentor at the university, Dominic Spector, comes to Bourne with a tale of treachery, international intrigue, and a terrorist threat from an organization long thought to be dead. The Black Legion was bred during the rule of the Third Reich during World War II and unbeknownst to most, it is still in existence and more powerful than ever, working as an unseen force in the dark underbelly of Europe. Spector requests Bourne’s assistance with finding out the location that the Black Legion is planning to attack.

With an interagency war between the National Security Agency and Central Intelligence raging at home, and a mob war happening abroad, Bourne is pulled in a multitude of directions and must use all of his training to fight unknown predators at every turn. “The Bourne Sanction” is full of the pulse-pounding action that readers of the Bourne series have come to expect. Determining who is working for whom and in what capacity will test Bourne’s allegiances and the truths he hold sacred. He is in for the fight of his life when the tables are turned and the hunter becomes the hunted. Eric Van Lustbader takes readers on a thrill ride with enough twists and turns to leave them dizzy, breathless, and longing for more....more

As it seems, there has been a very clear metamorphosis in Jason Bourne under the hands of Mr. Lustbader from where Mr. Ludlum had left him. Jason Bourne was originally a helpless man striving to understand who he was all the time. Beneath his expertise as an assassin and/or a special ops warrior, he was always a man who was extremely vulnerable on the emotional side. There was always a constant struggle between who he is and who he might be. This singular trait made Jason Bourne a very interestiAs it seems, there has been a very clear metamorphosis in Jason Bourne under the hands of Mr. Lustbader from where Mr. Ludlum had left him. Jason Bourne was originally a helpless man striving to understand who he was all the time. Beneath his expertise as an assassin and/or a special ops warrior, he was always a man who was extremely vulnerable on the emotional side. There was always a constant struggle between who he is and who he might be. This singular trait made Jason Bourne a very interesting enigma. Unfortunately, this enigma is well diluted now.

Jason Bourne has evolved into this somewhat of a superman who people go to when all else fails. The love/hate relationship with the intelligence organizations now seems a force fit.

However, he continues to be an extremely skillful tracker. But we now can't really figure out what drives him. Why Jason Bourne became a cult figure is NOT because of his expertise in intel ops, but it was because of his vulnerability. He was a man who was fighting all alone, was used by everyone and THAT'S why WE wanted to be his friend - to help in any which way we can.

Now he sometimes comes across like John Rambo, sometimes James Bond, sometimes God-Knows-Who but very rarely as the Jason Bourne in his true form.

The Bourne Sanction is a good read as a thriller. But replace the name Jason Bourne with even a Dipanjan Banerjee (that's me), even then it would feel the same. This is just a good thriller, not a good Jason Bourne story - and that's why it has got 3 stars (the 3rd one is in honour of the Jason Bourne that's gone missing)....more

Jason Bourne returns to Georgetown University and the mild world of his alter ego, David Webb, hoping for normalcy. But after so many adrenaline-soaked years of risking his life, Bourne finds himself chafing under the quiet life of a linguistics professor. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sect. The young man died carrying information about the group's terrorist a

Jason Bourne returns to Georgetown University and the mild world of his alter ego, David Webb, hoping for normalcy. But after so many adrenaline-soaked years of risking his life, Bourne finds himself chafing under the quiet life of a linguistics professor. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sect. The young man died carrying information about the group's terrorist activities, including an immediate plan to attack the United States.

The organization, the Black Legion, and its lethal plot have also popped up on the radar of Central Intelligence, where new director Veronica Hart is struggling to assert her authority. Sensing an opportunity to take control of CI by showing Hart's incompetence, National Security Agency operatives plan to accomplish what CI never could-hunt down and kill Bourne.

In Europe, Bourne's investigation into the Black Legion turns into one of the deadliest and most tangled operations of his double life-the pursuit of the leader of a murderous terrorist group with roots in the darkest days of World War II-all while an assassin as brilliant and damaged as himself is getting closer by the minute . . .

The book starts off with Jason Bourne as his alter ego; David Webb, a linguistics professor at Georgetown University. He somewhat content with his quiet peaceful life, but soon realizes that this isn't what he wants. He turns to his mentor at Georgetown; Dominic Spector, one of a select few who know of Bourne's dual identity. He longs for his old life of action and adventure. Dominic asks for Bourne to help in the investigation of the murdKealan Harris 1/1/13

The Bourne Sanction by Robert Ludlum

The book starts off with Jason Bourne as his alter ego; David Webb, a linguistics professor at Georgetown University. He somewhat content with his quiet peaceful life, but soon realizes that this isn't what he wants. He turns to his mentor at Georgetown; Dominic Spector, one of a select few who know of Bourne's dual identity. He longs for his old life of action and adventure. Dominic asks for Bourne to help in the investigation of the murder of a former student who had been carrying intelligence of an unknown terrorist group that planned to attack the CIA. The group is known as the Black Legion, and is rising up out of the deep.

Bourne's life is one of solitude, danger, secrecy and mystery as he is not only going after the Black Legion, but is being targeted by the NSA assassins that he was once part of and have been cleared to kill him. Bourne doesn't have many accomplices, and even less he can trust. As he races against an invisible and merciless enemy, Bourne realizes that not only his presence, but also the countries hangs in his hands to such a degree, that it will take all he has to preserve both him and the nation.

Bourne then travels to Moscow, Russia using information provided by Spector to track down and eliminate the Black Legion once and for all. Spector sends a few informants and men to accompany Bourne on his merciless and highly dangerous mission. As the group reaches Moscow, they are picked off by the Black Legion's own men.

The book is created with such intensity and creative action, that even the purist of Action/Adventure would be hooked on this book. Lustbader uses a perfect combination of carnage and intense action to provide for almost any reader that is pulled by an Action/Adventure book. Although in the beginning it may seem a bit confusing if this is the first book you're reading in the series, you'll pick up right away. The use of literary devices in this book has created a true masterpiece. The author shows how although in tough times you may want to give up, but in the end you will persevere and everything will work itself out.

This book is a must read for all who are looking for a little(lot) of extra adventure in their book....more

Jason Bourne returns to Georgetown University and the mild world of his alter ego, David Webb, hoping for normalcy. But after so many adrenaline-soaked years of risking his life, Bourne finds himself chafing under the quiet life of a linguistics professor. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sect. The young man died carrying information about the group's terrorist acJason Bourne returns to Georgetown University and the mild world of his alter ego, David Webb, hoping for normalcy. But after so many adrenaline-soaked years of risking his life, Bourne finds himself chafing under the quiet life of a linguistics professor. Aware of his frustrations, his academic mentor, Professor Specter, asks for help investigating the murder of a former student by a previously unknown Muslim extremist sect. The young man died carrying information about the group's terrorist activities, including an immediate plan to attack the United States. The organization, the Black Legion, and its lethal plot have also popped up on the radar of Central Intelligence, where new director Veronica Hart is struggling to assert her authority. Sensing an opportunity to take control of CI by showing Hart's incompetence, National Security Agency operatives plan to accomplish what CI never could-hunt down and kill Bourne. In Europe, Bourne's investigation into the Black Legion turns into one of the deadliest and most tangled operations of his double life-the pursuit of the leader of a murderous terrorist group with roots in the darkest days of World War II-all while an assassin as brilliant and damaged as himself is getting closer by the minute . . ....more

Eric Van Lustbader was born and raised in Greenwich Village. He is the author of more than twenty-five best-selling novels, including The Ninja, in which he introduced Nicholas Linnear, one of modern fiction's most beloved and enduring heroes. The Ninja was sold to 20th CenturyFox, to be made into a major motion picture. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages.

Mr. Lustbader isEric Van Lustbader was born and raised in Greenwich Village. He is the author of more than twenty-five best-selling novels, including The Ninja, in which he introduced Nicholas Linnear, one of modern fiction's most beloved and enduring heroes. The Ninja was sold to 20th CenturyFox, to be made into a major motion picture. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages.

Mr. Lustbader is a graduate of Columbia College, with a degree in Sociology. Before turning to writing full time, he enjoyed highly successful careers in the New York City public school system, where he holds licenses in both elementary and early childhood education, and in the music business, where he worked for Elektra Records and CBS Records, among other companies.